Chase Ellison

When Robin receives bad news, she decides to lie about it to the gang. Meanwhile, Marshall hangs Christmas decorations on the house in the ‘burbs with help from his neighbor.

In the Season Three premiere, Deadwood's first true elections are approaching, with the offices of sheriff (Bullock vs. Harry Manning) and mayor (E.B. Farnum vs. Sol Star) to be contested. Tonight, the candidates are expected to state their case to the townspeople--protocol that unnerves one taciturn incumbent while exciting a more glib one. At the Gem, one of Hearst's Cornish workers is killed, raising Swearengen's suspicions that the incident was a staged Hearst power play. Complications involving Alma's pregnancy alarm Ellsworth and Doc Cochran. Adams' orchestrated foreclosure gives Star a new home, with discreet access next door for Trixie. Jane prepares to share with the camp's children her experiences scouting for General Custer. Dismayed by her inability to make a clean break from the gut-stabbed Tolliver, Joanie contemplates the easy way out. Hearst offers Bullock his political backing in exchange for Bullock's promise to exert influence over certain areas of the camp.

A cryptic note delivered by Captain Turner tips off Swearengen to another bloody incident at the Gem; later, Hearst makes his intentions known in a more straightforward message. While Jane finds a captive audience for her oratory skills, the candidates for mayor and sheriff aren't as fortunate. Alma's health raises the issue of Sofia's stewardship; newly reformed Andy Cramed pays an unexpected visit to Tolliver, with a different agenda and outcome.

Deadwood ushers in some new arrivals on the stagecoach: Jack Langrishe, a flamboyant stage promoter and old friend of Swearengen, and Aunt Lou Marchbanks, Hearst's longtime cook who settles in nicely as the Grand Central chef. Also returning to town is a newly westernized Wu, with news for 'Swegin' about a soon-to-arrive group of imported Hearst workers. Apparently recovered from her ailments, with the aid of a reliable pal, Alma decides to approach Hearst with a claim deal, despite Ellsworth's adamant objections. Bullock uncovers the truth about the Gem killings, and vows to put Hearst on notice. Hearst calls Tolliver's bluff, then offers him a 'fresh start.'

Malcolm is hospitalized for an appendectomy; Francis stages a hunger strike at Marlin Academy.